Meet our leadership team.

Michelle Bettigole, RN, MS/MSN

Executive Director

Michelle has overall responsibility for the operational and clinical results of the community. Surrounding herself with outstanding experts in their specific fields, Michelle has helped create a cohesive, caring, yet results-driven management team. Michelle joined the community in 2014, bringing with her a solid background in running complex continuing care retirement communities to success, while demonstrating high levels of resident and employee satisfaction.

Michelle has over 20 years of senior management experience, starting her career as a clinical nurse in medical intensive care. She worked in both hospital and home care administration, becoming the director of critical care and emergency services for Westchester County’s busiest emergency center. Michelle moved toward smaller organization management, and discovered her love of working with seniors in a setting that allows them to thrive in an environment of health and wellness, while also supporting those with medical needs.

In addition to her bachelor’s degree in nursing, Michelle has a Master of Science in management from Rennsalaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, New York, as well as a Master of Science in nursing administration from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Michelle taught on the graduate faculty of Yale for seven years, specializing in human resource management for nurses. She is also a licensed nursing home administrator in Connecticut.

“I absolutely love the community and culture of Meadow Ridge. It’s a wonderful place to live and work, and I’m completely committed to helping the residents and employees grow and thrive here. It’s an extraordinary community!”

Mark Gapski

Finance Director

Mark oversees all aspects of Meadow Ridge’s financial activities, including accounting, financial reporting, cash management and budgeting. Since joining the community in January 2016, he has worked closely with the management team, finance committee and ownership to ensure everyone understands our current financial results, so that we can develop timely future strategies.

Mark has 30 years of experience, which includes working for a Big 4 public accounting firm, a Fortune 50 Company (including international assignments), a large multi-state nonprofit organization, and a senior living consulting firm where he was responsible for establishing accounting departments at communities such as Meadow Ridge. He has a Bachelor of Science and obtained his certified public accounting license in the State of New York.

“I’m excited to work with such a genuine and sincere team. They want to do their best to serve our residents, and are open to continual learning and raising the bar. Ultimately, this leads to positive changes that lead to positive results.”

Lynda Moran

Human Resources Director

Lynda is responsible for providing strategic human resources guidance and initiatives that support and maintain the desired workplace culture throughout Meadow Ridge. Her department is also responsible for hiring, training and engaging the workforce of over 320 individuals who serve the residents living at the community.

Lynda holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in business management from Western Connecticut State University, and has 18+ years of experience in the field.

Lynda sums up what she likes about working at Meadow Ridge in a single sentence that says it all about her dedication to the residents and team at the community. “I love coming to work each day and feeling like I make a positive impact on the lives of others.”

Susie Nolan

Marketing Director

Susie has been leading the marketing and sales team at Meadow Ridge for two years, and has been serving families her entire career. The marketing team works diligently to assist families as they learn about retirement living options. Susie’s department leads families through the transition process from apartment selection, financial options and home sale to relocation and assimilation into Meadow Ridge. Everyone on the team is committed to helping residents and their families experience a worry-free and seamless transition to their new home.

Susie has a Bachelor of Science in economics and finance from Old Dominion University and a Master of Business Administration in leadership from Post University.

“I love working at Meadow Ridge and helping our families transition to the community. Meadow Ridge is a wonderful place to call home with its independent living, assisted living, skilled care and rehabilitation services. The lifestyle and scope of care provided at Meadow Ridge gives families peace of mind knowing that, as needs change, continuing care is always available right there on campus.”

Nancy Gotschlich

Director of Dining & Environmental Services

Nancy joined Meadow Ridge in 2009 and leads a team of 45 staff members who work in 6 different areas of the community. Her staff contributes to the overall cleanliness of the entire community, which operates 365 days a year and has over 800,000 square feet to keep in immaculate shape.

Nancy has a Bachelor of Science in hotel restaurant and institutional management from the University of Delaware. She also has a master’s certificate in hospitality administration from the University of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to joining the world of senior housing, Nancy worked for Starwood hotels (most commonly known as the Sheraton and Westin chains), serving in 8 different hotels during her tenure.

“I’m originally from New Jersey, and love gardening and the beach. I was inspired to leave the hotel industry and work in a Life Plan Community, like Meadow Ridge, after my grandfather lived in a similar community in New Jersey. I love having long-term relationships with the residents and the chance to show continuous improvement in hospitality and service. I take pride in working with seniors and providing them a level of service rivaled by their own families.”

Corey Seigel

Executive Chef

Corey is responsible for all the cuisine here at Meadow Ridge. This includes creating of all menus, handling budget for his department, and managing and mentoring the culinary team. Since joining the community in 2017, Corey has worked closely with the management team to offer the residents familiar favorites, as well as cutting-edge dishes to keep everyone excited about dining here.

Corey has 29 years of experience, which includes country clubs, restaurants, fine hotels, and his own venture. He spent several years working for Chef Support Services, traveling as a consultant and serving as interim chef at a variety of properties. Corey is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and has had stints on the advisory boards of The Community Culinary School of Northwestern Connecticut, the Connecticut Chefs Chapter of the American Culinary Federation, and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Chef Program.

“I’m thrilled to work with such a dedicated team that strives to enhance the lives of not only our community residents, but also each other. ‘A shared meal is the kindling for the warmest conversation.’”

Naomi Green

Administrative Services Director

Naomi has been with Meadow Ridge for 3 years. Her duties include overseeing the reception department, assisting Michelle Bettigole, our executive director, and working on a never-ending variety of administrative projects. She maintains the community’s contracts and recordkeeping, and supports resident committees.

Naomi has received a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Connecticut. Prior to joining the world of senior housing, Naomi worked in television promotions and programming for public broadcasting and other networks.

“I learn something new every day from the intelligent, cultured and wise residents of our community. I like to tell people that I have a big group of grandparents at my job, and it’s my pleasure to work for them.”

Laurie Bergeron

Community Life Director

Laurie is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing a wide and varied scope of activities and programming to meet the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational, social, physical and environmental needs of our residents. She plans off-site as well as in-house activities to meet the needs and interests of the diverse group of individuals who make up the Meadow Ridge community. Laurie manages the activities staff across the entire Meadow Ridge continuum of care, including assisted living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing.

Prior to joining Meadow Ridge, Laurie worked as a flight attendant for over 15 years with U.S. Airways. During her time there, she was the master executive council treasurer and international finance committee member for the Association of Flight Attendants. She attended the University of West Georgia.

“The best aspect of my job is the interaction I have with the residents. They’ve led such wonderful and interesting lives! They constantly challenge me and, because of that, I’ve grown as a professional and as a person.”

Clifford Scharf

Security and Transportation Director

As the security and transportation director, Cliff manages two separate departments that provide security, emergency medical response and transportation to the residents of Meadow Ridge.

Cliff has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, received a master’s degree in National Security from the University of New Haven, and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy. Cliff has over 30 years of law enforcement experience with the Ridgefield, Connecticut, Police Department.

“I understand how important mobility and transportation is for people to maintain their independence. Meadow Ridge has a wonderful transportation team that provides a wide range of services that help our residents maintain a high level of independence. Our Security team is also extraordinary, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents on campus with a kind, caring manner in every interaction.”

Sal Gaetano

Plant Operations Director

Sal has been at Meadow Ridge for over 10 years. His job is making sure that our one- million-square-foot-community and all its many mechanical systems are maintained and operate efficiently, to ensure our residents are safe and comfortable at all times. He and his team are also responsible for maintaining the 136-acre grounds throughout the fabulous seasons of New England.

Sal grew up and attended Alfred E. Smith Mechanical School in Bronx, NY. He was also honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, and is a talented musician.

“I believe we were put on this earth to serve one and other, and at Meadow Ridge we’re given that awesome opportunity every day. Actually, I don’t even need a sentence to describe Meadow Ridge magic; just one word sums it up: family.”

Anita Taylor

Resident Experience Director

Anita has been a part of the Meadow Ridge leadership team for 15 years. In addition to being the corporate compliance officer, she knows firsthand the importance of exceptional customer service and focus on “extraordinary impressions,” paying attention to every detail and personal need to ensure each new resident makes a smooth transition to community life. Anita is an expert at making connections, and introducing people with common interests or backgrounds. Anita trains staff on customer service and hospitality, and oversees the community’s service recovery program. She also manages the Personal Assistant program and participates in community outreach.

Anita attended Franklin University, completing coursework in business administration, and has over 30 years of administrative management/customer service experience in health care. She truly enjoys working with people.

“I believe I have the best job here and really love Meadow Ridge! Our residents are vibrant, intelligent and sophisticated, and we’re fortunate to have a dedicated team of staff members who are compassionate and share their passion for resident-centered care. This is reflected in the wonderful relationships we create and maintain with our residents.”

Ellen Belanger

Health Services Administrator

Ellen is a health care executive with more than 20 years of experience in a variety of administrative roles. She is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri and the University of Connecticut certification program in long-term care.

Ellen has an extensive background within the managed care environment, including assignments in proposal development and corporate marketing for John Deere Health Care in the Midwest, and PacifiCare in California. She has broad experience in health care quality improvement, having supervised large projects in these organizations.

Ellen has a longstanding commitment to patient safety, operational efficiency and high-quality clinical outcomes. For her, this became a focus of intense interest, and led her to undertake and complete a master’s degree in patient safety leadership. Ellen is very comfortable with information technology applications, and can both develop and interpret data using a variety of applications.

Kimberly Held, RN

Nursing Director

Kim joined the Meadow Ridge team in March 2014, bringing with her over 15 years of experience as a registered nurse, specializing in sub-acute rehabilitation and long-term care. In addition, she has served as an infection control preventionist, in staff development, and as an assistant director of nursing. As the nursing director at Ridge Crest, Kim oversees and coordinates all clinical care. She ensures care is provided in a way that maintains quality while conveying dignity, compassion and respect for our residents.

Kim holds an associate degree in science. She has a specialty certification in wound care, which provides additional expertise in this area to the residents at Ridge Crest.

“My favorite thing about Meadow Ridge is working with a unique group of individuals who have dedicated and devoted themselves to excellence. Their commitment has no boundaries.”

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